Sen. John Cornyn Wants To Be Senate GOP's Co-Pilot

Sen. John Cornyn, the Texas Republican who heads the Senate GOP's efforts to win the majority, said Friday he wants to be his party's second in command in the chamber.

Cornyn was reacting to the announcement the day earlier by Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, the current minority whip, that he intends to retire from the Senate. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is the Senate's top Republican as minority leader.

Cornyn will face Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) who is currently the number three Republican as chair of the Republican Senate Conference. Sen. John Thune (R-SD) may also run if he doesn't jump in the presidential derby.